KAPS Patient Communication Skills 3

Question 1

A patient reports taking their blood pressure medication only when they 'feel' their pressure is high. Which response BEST addresses this adherence barrier?

Accepted Answer

Explain that hypertension is often asymptomatic and consistent dosing is required for efficacy

Answer

Educating the patient that hypertension is a 'silent disease' requiring continuous treatment addresses the core misconception driving their non-adherence.

Question 2

Which nonverbal behavior by the pharmacist MOST communicates empathy and attentiveness during patient counseling?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining comfortable eye contact and an open body posture

Answer

Comfortable eye contact and open posture signal active listening and genuine concern, which build therapeutic rapport.

Question 3

A patient taking metformin reports frequent GI upset. How should the pharmacist respond?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the complaint, counsel on taking the medication with food, and recommend reporting persistent symptoms to the prescriber

Answer

GI side effects with metformin are common and often mitigated by taking it with food; the pharmacist should counsel accordingly while encouraging prescriber communication for persistent issues.

Question 4

Which question format is BEST for assessing what a patient already knows about their new medication?

Accepted Answer

'What did your doctor tell you this medication is for?'

Answer

Asking 'What did your doctor tell you?' is an open-ended primer that reveals existing knowledge before the pharmacist fills gaps, preventing repetition and building on prior counseling.

Question 5

A caregiver picks up medication for a pediatric patient. Which counseling consideration is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Provide weight-based dosing instructions and warn against using adult measuring devices such as kitchen spoons

Answer

Weight-based dosing and proper measuring tools (oral syringes or calibrated cups) are critical safety points for pediatric medication administration.

(KAPS) Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences Practice Test

(KAPS) Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences Practice Test

KAPS Patient Communication Skills 3